Discover a rare side of China in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
Some travellers come to China for its iconic sights—then leave without ever seeing the country’s lesser-known stories. Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is different. As the video from Aziz Family Official shares, this neighbourhood is home to one of the oldest Muslim communities in China, with roots that stretch back over 1,300 years to the Silk Road.
The result is a destination that feels both historical and alive: bustling streets, halal food everywhere, and a mosque that stands out for being both deeply Islamic and unmistakably influenced by Chinese aesthetics.
Why the Muslim Quarter exists: a Silk Road meeting of cultures
The video explains that Xi’an—once known as Djangan—was the eastern end of the Silk Road. Long ago, merchants travelled to trade silk, including visitors from Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia. Many later settled in the area, helping establish Islam in China.
Today, the Muslim Quarter remains closely associated with the Hui Muslims, described in the video as one of China’s largest Muslim ethnic groups. Their ancestors settled here centuries ago, and their community has continued to preserve faith, traditions, and halal food culture ever since.
Halal food everywhere: a street-level introduction to tradition
If you’re looking for a destination where culture isn’t kept behind glass, the Muslim Quarter delivers. The video notes that walking through the streets, you’ll find halal food everywhere you look.
This is the kind of place where everyday life reflects centuries of heritage—so even a simple wander becomes part of the experience. Food plays a central role in how visitors sense the community’s identity, atmosphere, and continuity.
Meet the Grand Mosque of Xi’an
In the middle of the Muslim Quarter sits a highlight mentioned in the video: the Grand Mosque of Xi’an. It’s described as one of the oldest and largest mosques in China and is a key reason the area draws travellers with interest in Islamic history.
A striking blend of Chinese and Arabic artistry
One of the most memorable moments from the video is how the mosque looks from the outside. The creators point out that it appears like a traditional Chinese temple rather than a mosque at first glance. Yet details reveal something uniquely hybrid.
The video also highlights Arabic writing and calligraphy blended into a Chinese-style design—something the presenters say they’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s this contrast that makes the mosque so visually compelling, and a powerful symbol of how cultures can meet and evolve over time.
Why every Muslim traveller should add this to their bucket list
As the video concludes, the Muslim Quarter is portrayed as one of the most fascinating places the creators have visited—and a stop the presenters believe every Muslim traveller should consider. It offers far more than a viewpoint: it connects food, faith, and history in one neighbourhood built around the Silk Road’s legacy.
Plan your visit: how to experience the Muslim Quarter
- Spend time walking through the streets to soak up the atmosphere and see halal food culture in action.
- Visit the mosque located in the heart of the quarter, taking note of the blend of Chinese architectural appearance with Arabic calligraphy.
- Keep an open mind—the neighbourhood’s story is described as one most people “never hear about”, so it can feel like a discovery rather than a checklist stop.
Travel with Sakina Tours
At Sakina Tours, we believe the best trips reveal the stories behind the sights. If you’re drawn to authentic experiences, meaningful heritage, and travel that feels personal, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter could be the highlight you’re looking for. Let us help you plan a curated journey that lets you explore China’s Silk Road history with confidence and curiosity.
